Everton’s latest summer arrival, Beto, has had a rapid change in his fortunes, as he has gone from obscurity as a KFC attendant to bliss and global fame as a Premier League player.
Futballnews understands that the Portuguese was working for KFC only four years ago before he became a professional footballer.
Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, simply known as Beto, joined Everton from Serie A side Udinese for a fee of €25 million.
The 25-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 3 assists in 65 appearances for Udinese across all competitions.
In an interview with DAZN last summer, Beto revealed that he had to have a side hustle while playing for an amateur club in Portugal.
The Portuguese was then playing for Tires, and he modestly expressed that “it was a nice life”.
His career trajectory, which is constantly on the rise, has also seen him play for Clube Olimpico Montijo and Portimonense.
The attacker spent only a year at CO Monjito, before he was spotted by first division side Portimonense.
This is obviously a testament to how swift and lovely the football career of Beto has continued to develop, as he hits new heights consistently.
Beto joined Udinese from Portimonense on July 1, 2022, for a fee of €15 million and many can claim that his time in Italy was decent.
Beto statement on how he feels about driving past KFC
Meanwhile, the Portuguese was also asked about how he feels driving or walking past a KFC now that he is a professional footballer, and he also gave a modest reply.
He said: “Nothing special, but when I return home, I always go to that KFC to visit my friends.”
Additionally, Beto expressed that he was confident of becoming a professional footballer, as that has been what he has always wanted to be.
The Portuguese said: “I’ve always believed I could have become a footballer. I wanted to become a professional football player.”
Beto also shared that his friends had doubts about him becoming a professional footballer, as they told him that it would be a very difficult thing to pull off.
“They were telling me: ‘Beto, it’s hard, it’s impossible.” But he also indicated that he changed their minds about his football journey after joining Portimonense.
“Then I joined Portimonense and they changed their mind.”
Everton will be banking on Beto for goals, having faced a worrying issue in front of goal last season.
That trend has crept into the 2023/24 season, as the Toffees are yet to score in 3 Premier League matches so far.
The former Clube Olimpico Montijo forward will be teaming up with fellow countryman Youssef Chermiti, who joined Everton from Sporting Lisbon this summer.
19-year-old Chermiti wouldn’t be handed the massive weight of goalscoring on his shoulders, as they view him as one for the future.
Why did Everton sign Beto
Due to Sean Dyche’s side’s desperation for a capable striker, they have done business regarding their attacking department.
Neal Maupay scored one goal in 27 appearances for Everton last term, while Dominic Calvert Lewin scored just two goals in 17 appearances.
This output is definitely poor, and the Goodison Park side have thought it wise to make necessary steps in attack.
Everton faithfuls will be hoping that new signing Beto comes good, due to their needs in the attack.
Beto Betuncal Market Value and Net Worth?
According to Transfermkt, his market value is €25 million.
Beto’s net worth is estimated to be within the region of £3 million – £6 million.
How good is Beto?
The Everton forward is a powerful forward who can shield the ball well, progress the ball, and he is strong in the air.
Beto’s finishing is also impressive, and he is a workaholic on the field of play.
